The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, has called on politicians in Osun State to immediately halt actions that threaten the peace and stability of the state. His warning follows violent clashes that erupted at local government secretariats across the state earlier this week, where rival political factions, particularly those from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), clashed over the controversial reinstatement of sacked council chairmen.
In a statement issued by his press secretary, Alli Ibrahim, the Oluwo expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Osun, urging all parties to put aside their political differences and focus on the greater good of the state.
“I appeal to the political parties and their respective actors involved to respect the honourable path of peace and orderliness,” the Oluwo stated. “Violence only leads backward; it does not build. That we do not want for Osun.”
The crisis erupted when sacked local government chairmen from the APC, who had been removed by the state government, claimed that a recent Court of Appeal judgment had reinstated them. This decision has been met with strong resistance from members of the PDP, further deepening the political rift and leading to violent confrontations in some areas.
Oba Akanbi emphasized that the ongoing violence painted an inaccurate picture of Osun, a state long known for its tradition of peaceful co-existence and harmony.
“It doesn’t depict the true image of the state as a land of virtues,” he remarked. “We must prioritize our lives and protect the infrastructure built by our collective resources. We must not let political interests tear apart the peace we have worked so hard to build.”
The Oluwo also addressed the people of Iwoland, his immediate subjects, urging them to refrain from participating in violence and to remember the long-standing unity of their community. “To my immediate subjects, the good people of Iwoland, don’t forget we are one family. Any harm you do to anyone in Iwo is an injury to yourself because we are all connected, either directly or indirectly,” he said.
The Oluwo’s call for peace comes at a critical time, as Osun has faced heightened political tensions in recent months, with accusations of abuse of power and election rigging being traded between the ruling parties.
“I enjoin you to learn from those who have played an active role in political violence in Iwo in the past. None of them ended well,” Oba Akanbi warned. “The past should present an experience for the future. Anyone making an attempt to cause violence or destroy Iwo will be caught by traditional vengeance. You can’t harm Iwo and go away with it. Nemesis will unavoidably catch up with you.”
Political Conflict and the LG Crisis
The dispute over the local government chairmanships dates back to a decision by the state government to remove certain APC chairmen after allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The sacked chairmen, however, refused to leave office, and their case was taken to the Court of Appeal, which ruled in their favor, ordering their reinstatement.
This ruling has created a tense environment, particularly as members of the PDP, which controls the state government, have fiercely opposed the return of the sacked officials. The political tension has led to protests, and in some areas, violent confrontations between opposing factions.
The government’s decision to remove the chairmen was seen by many as a necessary step to ensure accountability in local government affairs. However, the legal reversal of this decision has exposed deep rifts in the state’s political landscape, with both parties unwilling to back down.
Local government elections in Osun have historically been contentious, with accusations of fraud, manipulation, and violence. The latest crisis is viewed by many as a reflection of the growing polarization within the state’s political institutions, and the fight for control over local government resources has become a flashpoint for conflict.
Despite the volatile situation, the Oluwo of Iwoland has consistently called for peace, stressing that no political struggle is worth the bloodshed or destruction of Osun’s peaceful legacy.
“Once again, Osun State is ours,” Oba Akanbi declared. “Let’s prioritize her interest before any political consideration. Most political interests are temporary, Osun State is permanent. Let peace and orderliness be our mandate.”
Traditional Leadership’s Role in Political Stability
The role of traditional leaders like the Oluwo has always been central in maintaining peace and order within Nigerian communities. Oba Akanbi’s intervention in the Osun LG crisis is a reminder of the significant influence that traditional institutions still wield in Nigerian politics, especially in states with strong cultural identities.
In many parts of Nigeria, traditional rulers serve as mediators in political and social disputes. Their position as custodians of culture and values makes their voices crucial in times of unrest. Oba Akanbi’s call for unity and peace comes at a time when the authority of traditional institutions is often undermined by the increasing power of elected officials and political parties.
However, traditional rulers like the Oluwo continue to use their influence to advocate for social cohesion, and their actions are seen as an essential part of the broader effort to combat political instability in the country.
The Way Forward: Calls for Dialogue
As the political crisis in Osun deepens, many stakeholders are calling for dialogue and conflict resolution. Political analysts have pointed out that the crisis could be mitigated through negotiation and compromise, rather than through force or violence.
The continued tensions between the APC and PDP over local government control have far-reaching implications, not only for Osun but for the broader political climate in Nigeria. Observers warn that if the crisis is not managed carefully, it could escalate, leading to further instability in the region.
The Oluwo’s intervention is a timely reminder of the need for dialogue, peaceful conflict resolution, and the prioritization of the people’s well-being over political gains. It is hoped that his call for peace will resonate with all political actors in Osun, prompting them to seek more peaceful ways of resolving their differences.
